Niger’s military government on Thursday announced its intention to take control of the Somair mine, accusing its parent-company Orano of “irresponsible, illegal and disloyal behaviour”.

Uranium mining in Niger is at the centre of a tug-of-war between the junta and Orano, which is 90% owned by the French state and has operated mines in Niger for decades.

Since taking power in a 2023 coup, Niger’s military leaders have turned their back on former colonial ruler France, and sought closer ties with Russia instead.

In a statement, Orano condemned the proposed nationalisation as part of the junta’s “systematic policy of stripping mining assets, in violation of the agreements binding the group and the state of Niger”.

This policy “also illustrates a campaign of disinformation and discredit towards the group”, Orano added.

In 2024, Niger removed Orano’s operational control of its three main mines in the country: Somair, Cominak and Imouraren, which has one of the largest uranium deposits in the world.

Orano officially retains a 60% stake in its Niger subsidiaries and has attempted to win back operational control through arbitration.

In its statement yesterday, Orano said it “intends to claim compensation for all of its damages and assert its rights over the stock corresponding to Somair’s production to date”.